Uphill Wheelchair Presenters Logan Munro Brentan Alexander Erik Lampe
Product Name Slopes are difficult in manual wheelchairs Product makes slopes easier and more comfortable Product presents a viable business opportunity
Customer Need Difficulty with slopes –Exertion to keep momentum –Force required to stay in place Dangerous –Nothing to prevent rollback if person behind wheelchair trips –Allows person pushing wheelchair to let go Injury to manual wheelchair users –51% have shoulder injuries (often rotator cuff tendonitis)
Product Advantages Comfort and ease traveling uphill Safety if being pushed Ability to rest mid-slope Maneuverability on slope
Product Advantages Manual vs. Powered wheelchairs –Significant price difference –Maintain pride –Battery limitations –Size concerns
Product Advantages [Demonstration]
Product Components Show different modules
One-way Mechanism Show and explain how the one-way mechanism works
Mechanism Engagement Show how engagement mechanism works
Testing Video Before uphill feature: struggling to keep momentum and rolling backwards After uphill feature: slow and comfortable motion uphill with stopping to rest Engaging/disengaging mechanism
Customer Feedback Customer quotes
Business Case Market opportunity Competitive Landscape Distribution plan Manufacturing assessment
Market Opportunity 2.7 million wheelchair users in US over age 15 75% use manual wheelchairs Product designed to retrofit most wheelchairs
Competitive Landscape Grade Aids +Simple +Cheap +Small -Injury to fingers -Rubber tires only -Difficulty in actuation -Unreliable with wet tires -Constant adjusting -One brand of wheelchair
Distribution Plan Obtain FDA approval Market to key groups –Medical professionals –Assistive device distributors –Wheelchair community Sell through assistive device distributors
Manufacturing Assessment TBD with final product
Conclusion Strong need in wheelchair community Practical solution to need Viable business opporunity